Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: An Integrated Approach

This textbook uniquely brings together the fundamentals of thermal physics, including both the macroscopic aspects of the subject . thermodynamics . and the microscopic origins of thermal behaviour . statistical mechanics. The fundamentals of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are developed as [...]
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This textbook uniquely brings together the fundamentals of thermal physics, including both the macroscopic aspects of the subject . thermodynamics . and the microscopic origins of thermal behaviour . statistical mechanics. The fundamentals of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are developed as self-contained theories that yield complementary descriptions of thermal phenomena. The book presents details of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics, all of which are axiomatic theories based on small numbers of assertions and postulates relating to the behaviour of our physical environment. These principles are the essential tools of the practicing physicist. Since the phenomena that become important in a student's later career are typically not the ones discussed in the classroom, general principles are presented, and applications are used in the text to illustrate the concepts presented. Although current research tends to focus on atomic and subatomic phenomena, the macroscopic aspects of thermal physics continue to be valuable. For example, the thermodynamic concept of entropy is important, because it assists researchers in understanding about changes in our environment and energy conservation.